high voltage wire as antenna?

[tkeithlu]

If the high voltage wire coming off the antenna tuner of a SSB transceiver is not shielded, is it not part of the antenna? Is there any reason it could not be hoisted up to a spreader, with suitable stand-offs for the nearest shroud, as an antenna? As you might guess, I'm setting up a SSB, and have neither a suitable shroud nor a place for a 16' whip. My only advantage is a steel hull. Thanks for your help. --Tim.

[jcapo]

You are correct. The antenna starts at the tuner terminal.

[tkeithlu]

Thanks. Follow-up question. This antenna will pass within a few feet of my Simrad GPS/fluxgate compass for my autopilot. Is that a likely problem?

[jcapo]

Don't know about the compass.

[DeepFrz]

Try transmitting while under AP control and see if the boat changes direction.